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Solar Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

... solar physics and space weather research. As ngGONG moves through critical design milestones, strong optical leadership is essential. The Senior Optical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and ...

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$39K

$46.9K

$52.5K

How much do solar physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar physics in the United States is $46,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solar Physics job?

A Solar Physics job involves studying the Sun's structure, behavior, and influence on the solar system. Scientists in this field analyze solar phenomena like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, often using satellite data, ground-based telescopes, and computer modeling. Their research helps improve space weather predictions, which impact communications, power grids, and satellite operations. Many solar physicists work in research institutions, space agencies, or universities, contributing to both scientific understanding and practical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Physics position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Physics, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computational modeling, usually supported by an advanced degree in physics or astrophysics. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or IDL, experience with data analysis tools, and knowledge of solar observation instruments are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help professionals stand out in research-driven environments. These competencies are crucial for interpreting complex solar phenomena and contributing valuable insights to the field.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Solar Physics professional?

Day-to-day responsibilities for a Solar Physics professional often include analyzing data from ground-based or space-borne solar observatories, developing and testing theoretical models, and publishing research findings in scientific journals. You may collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to design new instruments, interpret results, or contribute to large-scale research projects. Regular activities also include attending research meetings, presenting findings at conferences, and mentoring junior team members or students. This role offers a dynamic mix of independent research and team-based collaboration in academic, government, or private research settings.
What cities are hiring for Solar Physics jobs? Cities with the most Solar Physics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Physics jobs? The most popular types of Solar Physics jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Physics jobs are:
Infographic showing various Solar Physics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,902 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
[EOI] Postdoctoral Researcher at Polymathic AI: Solar Physics

[EOI] Postdoctoral Researcher at Polymathic AI: Solar Physics

New York University

New York, NY • On-site

$62K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


New York University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Center for Data Science at New York University (NYU) invites applications for postdoctoral researchers as part of the Polymathic AI initiative, focused on applications of AI to solar physics.
Our research focuses on building and understanding foundation models for science, and in particular modeling complex interconnected systems from astronomy, biology, fluid dynamics to solar physics. For this position, we are looking for postdoctoral researchers that will contribute to applying our research capabilities to solar physics. The overarching objective is to build large scale models of solar phenomena and apply them to important applications in solar physics and space weather research.
The selected postdoctoral candidates will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary team based in New York, spanning NYU and the Flatiron Institute, composed of machine learning researchers, engineers, and domain scientists. This collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting edge AI models, with a focus on generalization and interpretability, and advance AI for scientific discovery.
In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $62,500 - $125,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in a relevant field

Expected skills/functions:
  • Experience with solar physics is an advantage, but is not a requirement
  • Engage in research and train large AI models for science
  • Generate new large scientific datasets
  • Develop and maintain complex codebases
  • Read literature and integrate research across AI and scientific domain

Application Instructions
Please follow instructions in the Interfolio application and upload the following documents:
  • CV
  • Two publications
  • Two references

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About New York University

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Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

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